The referendum is four months away now. That's simply not enough time to pass legislation for this, and get all 16-17 year olds registered to vote. Plus I'm pretty sure there's already been a petition on this issue which was rejected some time ago.

'stay in school, champ'. you're still learning, apparently so how can we trust you to make an intelligent choice? don't blame me, blame the government that told you that you still have to be in school when you're 18 years old. if you were done with school at 16 and you were out there paying taxes then maybe I'd say you *should* have the right to vote because that government is charging you like everyone else for its upkeep. but seeing as the government is probably never going back to the old system of education, I'm not advocating for 16 year olds getting the vote when they're obviously forever more going to be in school 'til 18. having school kids voting would be embarrassing for a nation. you get it? besides, younger people are more left wing because they are more idealistic because they haven't had the weight of the world cramp their dreams (some have this happen to them early like me) so I've also not too inclined to argue for more left wing votes appearing in the ballot boxes.